A Quebec family loading up for a July drive to the cottage knows the real test isn’t the destination. It’s the four or five hours in between. Kids get restless, adults get stiff, and a flat bench seat in the second row doesn’t help either one. The 2027 Kia Carnival’s available VIP Lounge second row is built around that exact stretch of highway. What Is the VIP Lounge Second Row? On the...
The 2026 Kia Sportage HEV offers three distinct trims - EX HEV, EX Premium HEV, and SX HEV - each designed for a different type of buyer. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid SUV with all-wheel drive, the Sportage HEV delivers 6.7 L/100 km combined and 2,000 lb (907 kg) of towing capacity across the lineup. The question is: which trim fits your lifestyle?
This guide breaks down what each trim includes, how they differ, and who they're built for.
Trim Comparison at a Glance
|
Trim |
Starting MSRP |
Seating |
|
EX HEV |
$41,245 |
Black synthetic leather |
|
EX Premium HEV |
$44,245 |
Black synthetic leather |
|
SX HEV |
$47,745 |
Black or Carmine Red quilted synthetic leather |
Pricing shown reflects information at the time of writing. Final pricing may vary. Contact us for complete pricing details.
|
Trim |
Key Differentiator |
|
EX HEV |
Core hybrid features, best value |
|
EX Premium HEV |
Comfort upgrades, smart liftgate |
|
SX HEV |
Premium tech, advanced safety suite |
EX HEV: The Value-Focused Hybrid
The EX HEV is built for buyers who want hybrid efficiency without paying for extras they won't use. It starts at $41,245 and includes everything you need for daily driving: heated front seats, a 10-way power driver seat, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The hybrid system pairs a 1.6-litre turbo engine with a 47.7 kW motor, managed by a 6-speed automatic transmission. You get all-wheel drive and 6.7 L/100 km combined fuel economy - competitive for a hybrid SUV with this much space. Rear legroom measures 1,050 mm, which means three adults fit comfortably in the back seat. Cargo capacity reaches 1,119 litres with the dual-level cargo floor, enough for a full grocery run plus hockey bags.
Who it's for: Commuters and small families who want hybrid savings and standard features without paying for premium upgrades.
EX Premium HEV: The Comfort Upgrade
The EX Premium HEV adds $3,000 to the base price and focuses on comfort and convenience. You get 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, power-folding sideview mirrors, and LED fog lights. Inside, the driver's seat gains a memory function, the front passenger seat becomes power-adjustable, and both front seats add air-cooling - a welcome feature during summer drives.
Heated rear seats extend comfort to the back row, and the smart power liftgate makes loading gear easier when your hands are full. The EX Premium also includes alloy pedals and deluxe door scuff plates, small touches that enhance the cabin feel.
The hybrid powertrain and fuel economy remain identical to the EX HEV. You're paying for comfort, not performance.
Who it's for: Buyers who spend a lot of time in the vehicle and want comfort upgrades like air-cooled seats and a power passenger seat.
SX HEV: The Tech-Forward Flagship
The SX HEV starts at $47,745 and is built for buyers who want the full suite of technology and safety features. The exterior gets LED headlights with low beam assist and matte chrome accents. Inside, you can choose between black or Carmine Red quilted synthetic leather, and the cabin gains a Harman Kardon premium audio system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a heads-up display.
The SX HEV also unlocks the advanced safety suite: Highway Drive Assist 2, Blind View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. These features work together to reduce driver fatigue on long highway trips and make tight parking situations easier. Digital Key 2.0 lets you lock, unlock, and start the vehicle using your smartphone, and you can share access with family members.
The hybrid system remains the same across all trims, so you still get 6.7 L/100 km combined and 2,000 lb of towing capacity. The SX HEV is about technology and convenience, not extra power.
Who it's for: Tech-focused buyers who want the latest driver assistance features, premium audio, and a digital key system.
Key Specs Across All Trims
|
Spec |
Value |
|
Engine |
1.6L turbo + 47.7 kW motor |
|
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
AWD |
|
Spec |
Value |
|
Fuel Economy (Combined) |
6.7 L/100 km |
|
Towing Capacity |
2,000 lb (907 kg) |
|
Cargo Volume |
1,119 L |
|
Rear Legroom |
1,050 mm |
What's New for 2026
The 2026 Sportage HEV receives a refresh with updated exterior styling, a new EX Premium trim, and standard Connected Car Navigation Cockpit with over-the-air software updates across all trims. The hybrid system has been revised with a 47.7 kW motor for improved efficiency. A new heads-up display is available on the SX HEV, and new interior colour options include Carmine Red quilted synthetic leather.
Which Trim Should You Choose?
If you want the best value and don't need premium features, the EX HEV delivers everything you need at $41,245. If you spend a lot of time driving and want comfort upgrades like air-cooled seats and a power passenger seat, the EX Premium HEV is worth the $3,000 step-up. If you want the full technology suite - digital key, advanced safety features, premium audio - the SX HEV justifies the $47,745 price.
All three trims share the same hybrid powertrain, fuel economy, and towing capacity. Your choice comes down to how much technology and comfort you want.
Visit Lallier Kia Vimont in Laval to explore the 2026 Sportage HEV lineup in person.
To learn more about the 2026 Kia Sportage HEV, visit Kia.ca
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